Friday, August 21, 2015

RINO Illinois Gov. Favors Homosexuals over Kids

The Gay Agenda recruitment of children into the homosexual lifestyle got a boost yesterday as newly elected Republican Governor Bruce Rauner signed a bill sponsored by homosexualists in the Democrat-controlled legislature to outlaw professionals counseling children who seek help to counter unwanted homosexual attraction and/or gender confusion. The new law is expected to be used in lawsuits to target religious pastoral care.

Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner signed a bill into law banning the practice in the state Thursday afternoon, making it the fifth jurisdiction—after California, New Jersey, Washington D.C., and Oregon—to have done so.

The American Psychological Association has concluded that attempts to change a person’s sexual orientation through behavioral therapy does not work, and many people who have been through such programs testify to the psychological damage it can cause. President Obama has called for an end to the practice, citing its “devastating effects.”

The measure keeps therapists from trying to change the sexual orientation or gender identity of a person younger than 18. Providers who don't comply could face disciplinary action.

Supporters of the measure have argued conversion therapy has been discredited and can be harmful to young people. But opponents have questioned whether therapists would be punished unfairly and say a ban limits parents' treatment decisions.

Backers of the measure were unsure how Rauner, a first-term Republican who has kept his stance on several social issues private, would act. Rauner has refused to discuss his views on same-sex marriage.

After announcing the bill's signing, spokeswoman Catherine Kelly said Rauner has no social agenda and believes the measure protects the children's interests.

[Chicago lesbian Rep. Kelly] Cassidy has said Rauner met with a "survivor" of such therapy and appeared moved by what he heard.

The measure also adds the therapy to the Illinois Consumer Fraud Act, giving people more ability to take legal action. Cassidy has contended that provision makes Illinois' ban stronger than other states.

. . . the Illinois measure is the first to include language linking conversion therapy to consumer fraud, according to its sponsor, state Rep. Kelly Cassidy, a Chicago Democrat who is an openly gay member of the State House.

President Barack Obama this year called for an end to gay conversion therapy in response to a White House petition brought after the suicide of transgender Ohio teen Leelah Alcorn.